All I've Waited For

taking over your business, necessarily. I’ve been content to just learn from you. But yes, I’ve wanted to own a wedding planning business since I can remember.” Ashley placed a hand flat on the desk. “And I’d be honored to continue Cathy’s legacy, even if I’m not a Mahaney.”
“I believe you would.” Back and forth Kyle swiveled ever so slightly in his desk chair, the wheels emitting a low squeak. “And regarding the money, I’d be fine with a slow purchase. You could pay me over the course of five years, or maybe we’d go into it as partners—you doing the labor, and me as an investor of sorts, until your portion was paid.”
What a kind man. What an opportunity. “That is so generous.”
Kyle’s eyes narrowed a bit. “It’s still business. With this solution, I’d actually be paid for the business, which is more than I’d get if I left it to my niece.”
“Of course.” Ashley bit her lip to hold back a grin. The teddy bear was hiding behind the grizzly’s teeth, but she knew better.
“I’m serious, young lady.” Kyle tilted his head. “The money isn’t a concern to me, but the legacy part is. And I do have some concerns about your ability to handle it.”
Really? Ashley had been nothing but helpful and competent. She couldn’t help but feel the nip of his words. “In what way?”
“Your level of experience, for one. And your schedule for another. You’re busy all the time.”
“So are you.”
“Yes, but mine is mostly business related. You’re always running from one meeting to another. First, you were on the library board—”
“Which I’ve stepped down from.” Her friend Madison had recently taken over as Walker Beach’s head librarian, so Ashley hadn’t felt the town needed her as much anymore.
“Yes, but what else have you added? You’re overseeing the town’s committee for the Christmas festival—”
“The community development officer personally asked if I’d do that. And the whole idea of the festival is for the town to band together and revitalize our economy after the earthquake harmed it.”
“I know, Ashley. I’m on the committee too, remember?”
“Right.” She shouldn’t get so defensive.
“And aren’t you also coordinating your family’s reunion this summer? Not to mention taking on extra responsibilities and saying yes to everyone who asks something of you. Cumulatively, it’s a lot, and adding the ownership of a business might be too much. You’re used to having my help with every event, and you’ve had me to fall back on when you weren’t sure about something. But if I retire and it’s all on your shoulders … well, I don’t want you to flounder.”
He didn’t believe she could do this? “I don’t want that either.”
“Your heart is in the right place. I just want to be sure you can actually handle this before you’ve got money invested and Cathy’s legacy is put in danger.”
“I’d never want that either.” Ashley furrowed her brow. “How can I prove to you that I’ve got this?”
The bell jangled from the showroom.
Kyle glanced at the clock on the wall. “It’s about time for our appointment. We’ll have to continue this conversation later.” He gathered his planner, then paused. His lips twisted to the side. “You know, this couple has asked for a very quick turnaround. They want to be married Memorial Day weekend.”
Ashley’s jaw fell. “That’s only six weeks away.”
“I know, but they were desperate and didn’t blink at the premium I quoted for the rush. And Moonstone Lodge happens to be available on the date in question.”
“Wow, really?” She straightened. Where was he going with this? “Okay.”
“You asked how you can prove yourself to me. Take on this wedding all by yourself. I’ll stay completely out of it. You run the show. If you can pull it off with everything else you have going on, you’ll demonstrate that this is important enough to you. We’ll work out the other ownership details later if it goes well. How does that sound?”
Ashley squealed and leaped from her seat, rounding the desk and throwing her arms around Kyle’s neck. “I say you’ve got yourself a deal.”
“Settle down or our clients will think we’re hiding a pig back here.”
Laughing, Ashley kissed him on the cheek and stole his planner from him. “I’ll take that. You just stay here and relax. Or better yet, go out and enjoy the sunshine.”
“Maybe I will.”
With pep in her step, Ashley closed his door behind her and paused, adrenaline working its way through her whole system. As she entered the showroom, she caught sight of a tall brunette perusing the photo wall. The woman looked up, and Ashley was struck by her large blue eyes.
She held out her hand. “Hi, there. I’m Ashley Baker, your wedding planner.”
The woman, who wore a couture black-and-white tie-neck blouse and pencil skirt, returned her shake. “Claire Boivin. My fiancé will be here in a moment. He’s parking the car.”
“You have a lovely accent.” Ashley smiled warmly. “Do you live nearby?”
“Non, I’m from France. My fiancé lives here, though.” Claire arched an eyebrow. “I believe I spoke with a man on the phone, oui?” She walked toward the silk flower display and began flipping through the book of photos.
From her movements to her dainty nose, thin lips, and smooth pale skin, this woman oozed elegance and grace. In Ashley’s experience, brides like her were typically high maintenance with unrealistic expectations, but that didn’t fit with someone whose planning timetable was so short. Or Ashley hoped so, anyway. It would be challenging enough to pull together something small and simple, but if the woman desired a blowout bash, well … Ashley wasn’t going to sleep for the next six weeks.
Still, it would be worth it to finally own the business of her dreams.
She followed Claire to the display. “Yes, that was my boss, Kyle. He’s appointed me as the lead planner, and I’m very excited to make your dreams come true.”
Claire nodded, apparently satisfied.
They both turned as the bell chimed. Ashley’s eyes widened at the tall man